AHS/Popcorn Park Opens Doors to Chained Pit Bulls

“Dozens of pit bulls chained outside in sweltering heat” was the headline in a recent PHILADELPHIA EXAMINER newspaper article. Sadly, over 46 dogs were chained to trees over the past 4 years in Berlin , NJ . After Ivan V. Murray’s house burned down, the dogs were chained with inadequate food, water and shelter. After the public became aware, action was taken by the local officials for various violations of local ordinances. According to newspaper reports, “supposedly the NJ SPCA sent an officer to Murray’s property to determine the condition of the dogs. No mention is made of the ordinance requiring that tethered dogs need to be spayed/neutered or that the chained unaltered dogs are being raped by dogs running at large. Also, the fact 26 pit bulls are chained on an abandoned property across the street from a convicted dogfighter and ex (?) breeder of fight dogs is left unexplored”.

Pretty Boy, (l.), and Shirley await a new life.

The newspaper goes on ...” Why can’t the NJ SPCA take the dogs and rehome them for Murray, who clearly doesn’t know how to properly care for them? Because the NJ SPCA only handles cruelty cases, and for some unknown reason, this is being regarded as a township ordinance violation. In other words, these dogs will continue to suffer in the summer heat because of semantics”. It is our belief that Title 4, state animal cruelty laws which is to be enforced by NJ SPCA, trumps township ordinances. The NJ SPCA left the care and adoption efforts to Winslow Township and the ACO after the owner turned over his rights to them.

Chi-Chi hopes for a new beginning.

Winslow Animal Control contacted AHS/Popcorn Park Animal Shelter to see if we could take some of these wonderful dogs and we were happy to help them out! The ACO's delivered four of the dogs to us on Sunday night. After visiting with our general manager John Bergmann and touring the facility, they decided these precious dogs would be in good hands with us. All of these dogs are unbelievably affectionate, loving, incredibly friendly and super sweet … and are more diminutive than they appear in the photos! They are some of the cutest dogs you'll ever meet too! All have been vet-checked and the females have already been spayed. All they need is a home and a responsible family to love.

Ike enjoying freedom at last!

No animals were euthanized to bring them to our facility. For more information or adoption, contact AHS/Popcorn Park at 609-693-1900, e-mail us, or visit Humane Way and Lacey Rd in Forked River (off of Ext 74) of the Garden State Parkway. The Society welcomes any donations to offset the expense of caring, feeding and altering these dogs. Donate today to help with their care!